The WHO defines a wheelchair as an assistive device that enhances personal mobility and facilitates participation for a person with walking limitations. It promotes mobility, inclusion, and an enhanced quality of life for the user. A wheelchair is a mobile seat (movable seating) that is specially designed for disabled/handicapped persons and for senior citizens who are unable to walk or move from one place to another.
Various kinds of wheelchairs have made their way into the market, catering to varied needs. With such a wide array of options available, choosing one may be difficult. To make this easier, let’s learn about the wheelchair dimensions. Wheelchairs range from large, bulky, and manually driven models to electrical models that can even climb staircases. While small wheelchairs are available for children, special wheelchairs are also available on the market, which can be hydraulic and automated for sports-related activities.
Since this is a kind of support equipment used by people with special needs, it must be comfortable and handy. While buying a wheelchair, it is important to get the seat size right. It is one of the most important steps, no matter what kind of wheelchair you choose. Proper wheelchair sizing will ensure comfort, good posture, and easier mobility. There are ideal dimensions that make a wheelchair comfortable for the user, and this article sheds light on the same.
According to Simisola Ajeyalem (published in Wheelchair Fitting), due to a lack of knowledge about wheelchairs, it is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of wheelchair users are using the wrong wheelchair, where their bodies are not fitting in properly. A person with special needs uses a wheelchair to maximise mobility. However, when the user uses a wheelchair of the incorrect dimension, the user will certainly face discomfort, pain, and various other medical conditions. Hence, it is always important to discuss the physical needs of the user, how he or she wishes to use the wheelchair, and the reasons for different wheelchair designs and dimensions with medical professionals before buying a wheelchair.
Pay attention to minute details like the place where the wheelchair will mostly be used (surface/ terrain), duration of usage, getting the wheelchair from one place to another, mobility from the wheelchair to other chairs and vice-versa, activities that the wheelchair will support, features required for the user as well as the attendant, etc. Answering these questions will solve a lot of confusion. Once you find answers to these questions, research the dimensions and fits. Well, if that sounds like a daunting task, Gharpedia has thrown light into some comfortable dimensions that can make a difference.
The Ideal Fit for Wheelchair – Wheelchair Size Guide
01. According to Simisola Ajeyalem (published in Wheelchair Fitting), the ideal sitting position in a wheelchair is the ’90-90-90′ rule, i.e, a 90° bend in the hips, a 90° bend in the knees, and another 90° bend in the ankle. The hip area of the user must touch the back of the wheelchair; their thighs should be parallel to the ground; and their knees should form a straight line with their hips.
02. The seat width must be wide to accommodate the hips, but not too wide that you must extend to reach the wheels.
03. If users must move around on their feet, the seat height should allow them to reach the floor with their heels. Seat height will be higher for those who use footrests.
04. The user needs to decide the height of the armrest. You’ll need enough support to keep your arms from dropping. If necessary, positioning devices can aid with arm support.
05. Different weight limits define the weights of the wheelchair. Keep this in mind while selecting your wheelchair.
The Standard Wheelchair Dimensions
If you want to know about how wide the average wheelchair is, wheelchair seat dimensions, standard wheelchair width, wheelchair seat sizes, and the average width of a wheelchair, here we share with you the wheelchair sizing measurements chart in brief:
Length of Wheelchair – 1.10 to 1.25 meter (3’-7” to 4’-1”)
Breadth of Wheelchair – 0.60 to 0.70 meter (2’-0” to 2’-3”)
The height of the wheelchair should be such that the attendant can handle and move it comfortably, and the person sitting in it can get a comfortable backrest. Therefore, its height should be:
Height of a Wheelchair- 0.90 to 1.10 meter (3’-0” to 3’-7”)
The correct seat height measurement of a wheelchair is important, as this will ensure optimum driving efficiency and give more clearance to fit underneath tables. It also extends comfort to the users.
Height of Wheelchair Seat: 0.45 to 0.50 meter (1-6” to 1- 8”)
The height of the table is also as important as the size of the wheelchair. It should be such that it gives more clearance for the leg to fit comfortably underneath the table. Eliminating drawers and shutters under the table will ensure comfort for the person using the wheelchair. You can provide pull-out vertical units on one or both sides of the work centers in such a case.
Table Height for Wheelchair: 0.80 to 0.86 meter (2’-7” to 2’-10”)
The standard height of the table should be in the following given range:0.80 to 0.86 meter (2’-7” to 2’-10”).
The turning dimension is also important when using a wheelchair. The minimum turning space for a wheelchair should be 1.50 meters or 5’-0” or 60” inches. For comfortable turning, a 1.80 meters diameter is preferable.
Ramps help wheelchair users access different levels. Therefore, as per Neufert Standards, there is a limit provided for the wheelchair’s length and landing dimension. The maximum length of the ramp for wheelchair access should not be longer than 6 meter (20’ feet). Therefore, a particular landing should be provided at every 6 meter (20’ feet) length.
Minimum dimension of landing length should be 1.50meter (5’ feet).
These dimensions and sizes are decided according to the average size of human dimensions/Anthropometrics as per Neufert Standards.
If you remember the above-mentioned points while purchasing the wheelchair, the elderly or persons with special needs will find using the wheelchair extremely comfortable and hassle-free. Make the journey easier, safer, and more comfortable for wheelchair users with southern mobility vehicles by pursuing exceptional mobility cars and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the dimensions of wheelchairs. Likewise, if you want to know about anthropometrics while designing, we have an article to help you:
Things To Keep In Mind Regarding Anthropometrics While Designing!
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